45
46
2
Large local banking, dock, steamboat, and insurance companies were established between 1865 and 1872, and their numbers are being continually added to.
The Colony is the centre of an incessant flow of Chinese emigra- tion and immigration (see XIII Miscellaneous).
The estimated population is as follows:-
Non-Chinese
Chinese
TOTAL
16,500 961,400
977,900
Of the Non-Chinese population it was estimated at the census of 1921 that the number of British nationals of European origin was about 4,800. There has probably been a slight increase in this num- ber in the intervening period.
The rainfall for 1926 was 100.78 inches, and for 1927, 107.86 inches. In 1926 the mean temperature was 71° 6′ and in 1927, 71° 4′, the mean minimum temperature during the latter year rang- ing from 78° 7′ in June to 55° 2′ in February and the mean maximum temperature from 87° 5′ in August to 62° 2′ in February. Typhoons are prevalent during the months July to October.
The currency of Hong Kong consists of the following coins (vide Order in Council, 2nd February, 1895):-
1. The silver dollar of Mexico.
2. British dollar.
-
3. The Hong Kong dollar, half-dollar, and 20 cent, 10 cent, and 5 cent pieces, issued from the Hong Kong Mint. (1866-68).
4. Half-dollars, 20, 10, and 5 cent pieces, imported from England, and coined at the Royal Mint and Birmingham Mint.
5. Copper coins representing one-hundredth part of the dollar (called one cent), and one-thousandth part of the dollar (mil or cash), imported from England.
Local weights and measures are the following :-
1 tael-1.13 oz.;
1 picul = 133.1/3rd lbs. (avoirdupois)
7 catties
= 1 imperial gallon;
I.-General.
The year 1927 was one of slow but steady recovery in the finan- cial and commercial position of the Colony, though the volume of business still remained below the level of 1925. In introducing the Budget in September His Excellency the Governor stated that careful scrutiny of expenditure was still absolutely necessary, and that in financial matters the "Coat must be cut according to the cloth". His Excellency took this opportunity to review the developments of the Colony during the past 30 years, and stated that "the achievement of Hong Kong in financing its amazing developments during the past 30 years by means of its annual revenue and without recourse to borrowing is unequalled in any part of the British Empire". In order to assist future development, His Excellency announced the forth- coming issue of a public works loan at 6% at par.
2. One of the most striking events of the year was the arrival of the units of the Shanghai Defence Force, and of the naval rein- forcements, especially the First Cruiser Squadron. Many of these additional forces were stationed in Hong Kong. The local accommoda- tion was taxed to the uttermost. A number of buildings had to be commandeered for billeting and for hospitals. Among these buildings were the Peninsula Hotel, King's College and the Diocesan Boys School. In addition a large hutment camp was erected on the reclamation at Shamshuipo. Strenuous efforts, partly under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A., and partly by individuals. were made to provide for the recreation and entertainment of the troops. A number of canteens was opened, and concert parties arranged. Special recognition should be accorded to the hard work done by the voluntary helpers during the trying weather of the summer months.
3. Piracies during the year were a source of continual trouble. The execution of 8 pirates who had been captured on the s.s. "Sunning" at the end of 1926, appeared to have little deterrent effect on the Bias Bay pirates. After the piracy of the British steamer "Hop Sang", at the end of March, a naval raid was con- ducted on the pirate stronghold in Bias Bay. Two villages where pirates were known to live were destroved, and the whole operations were carried out without loss of life, either to the inhabitants or to the raiding parties. These operations caused a lull in piracies for a period of four months, when the piracies of the Norwegian steamer "Solviken", and of the British steamer "Yat Shing", led to a fur- ther naval raid on Bias Bay. Simultaneously the British steamer "Kochow" was pirated on the West River, and naval operations were carried out at the town of Tai Ping-hui, where pirates were known to live. Since that date there has been a marked diminution in piratical attacks on British vessels. However, in November the Chinese steamer "Trene" was intercepted in Bias Bay, when in the possession of pirates, by the British Submarine L.4. The vessel was only brought to after a shot had been fired into its engine room, and although a few persons some of who were presumed to be pirates jost their lives the passengers and crew were almost all saved. · Seven men were brought to trial in connection with this piracy and executed New piracy regulations. designed to abolish the system of locked grilles, are under consideration.
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